CIS Scholarship in China: A Complete Guide for International Students for 2027 March & September intake
The CIS Scholarship in China, officially known as the International Chinese Language Teachers Scholarship, is a funded opportunity for international students and Chinese language teachers who want to study the Chinese language, pursue Chinese language education or prepare for a teaching career.
1-year Chinese language program admission is available for the March 2027 intake; feel free to contact us
The scholarship was previously widely called the Confucius Institute Scholarship. It is administered by the Center for Language Education and Cooperation (CLEC) and supports study at approved Chinese universities through degree, one-year, one-semester and short-term programmes.
Unlike the Chinese Government Scholarship, which covers many academic disciplines, CIS Scholarship in China focuses mainly on Chinese language, international Chinese language education and related subjects. It is therefore particularly suitable for students who want to learn Mandarin, become Chinese language teachers or conduct research in Chinese language education.
CIS Scholarship in China at a Glance
| Item | Details |
|---|
| Official name | International Chinese Language Teachers Scholarship |
| Commonly known as | CIS Scholarship or Confucius Institute Scholarship |
| Administrator | Center for Language Education and Cooperation (CLEC) |
| Host country | China |
| Eligible applicants | Non-Chinese citizens, including students and in-service Chinese language teachers |
| Main study areas | Chinese language, international Chinese language education, Chinese literature, history, philosophy and selected related programmes |
| Programme types | Bachelor’s, master’s, PhD, one-year, one-semester and four-week programmes |
| Main language tests | HSK and, for many categories, HSKK |
| Financial coverage | Tuition, accommodation, comprehensive medical insurance and a living allowance for most categories |
| Application method | Online through the official CIS application platform; some universities also require a separate application |
Important: Programme availability, admission requirements and internal deadlines vary between universities. Meeting the general CIS requirements does not automatically guarantee admission or funding.
What Can You Study With the CIS Scholarship?
The CIS Scholarship is not a general scholarship for every university subject. Its main purpose is to develop Chinese language skills and support Chinese language education.
Depending on the host university, applicants may find programmes in:
- International Chinese Language Education;
- Chinese language study;
- Chinese Language and Literature;
- Chinese history;
- Chinese philosophy;
- Teaching Chinese to speakers of other languages;
- Selected Chinese culture programmes;
- Traditional Chinese Medicine or Taiji culture at participating institutions;
- Approved joint or “Chinese+” programmes.
Students interested in engineering, medicine, business, computer science or other unrelated subjects should normally consider the Chinese Government Scholarship, a provincial scholarship or a university scholarship instead.
CIS Scholarship Programmes and Requirements
The following requirements are based on the 2026 general application guidelines. They provide a useful reference for future applications, but applicants for 2027 should check the new guidelines and their chosen university’s notice before applying.
1. Bachelor’s Degree Scholarship
The bachelor’s pathway generally supports Chinese Language and Literature with an International Chinese Language Education direction.
- Previous education: Senior high school diploma
- HSK requirement: At least 210 in HSK Level 4
- HSKK requirement: At least 60 in HSKK Intermediate
- Maximum scholarship duration: Four academic years
- Usual starting month: September
Applicants for a bachelor’s scholarship must generally be under 25 years old.
2. Master’s Degree Scholarship
This pathway supports a master’s degree in International Chinese Language Education.
- Previous education: Bachelor’s degree
- HSK requirement: At least 210 in HSK Level 5
- HSKK requirement: At least 60 in HSKK Intermediate
- Maximum scholarship duration: Two academic years
- Usual starting month: September
Priority may be given to applicants who can provide an employment agreement, or similar evidence, showing that they intend to work with a teaching institution after graduation.
3. PhD Scholarship
The doctoral pathway supports a PhD in International Chinese Language Education.
- Previous education: A relevant master’s degree, such as Teaching Chinese to Speakers of Other Languages, linguistics, international Chinese language education or an education-related subject
- Language requirement: At least 200 in HSK Level 6 and 60 in HSKK Advanced, or HSK Level 7
- Maximum scholarship duration: Four academic years
- Usual starting month: September
Doctoral applicants normally need two academic recommendation letters and a personal statement of approximately 3,000 words in Chinese, covering their understanding of the intended field and proposed research.
4. One-Year Study Programme
The one-year programme provides funding for up to 11 months, normally beginning in September. Requirements depend on the study direction:
| Study direction | General language requirement |
|---|
| International Chinese Language Education | At least 270 in HSK Level 3 and an HSKK score |
| Chinese Language and Literature, Chinese History or Chinese Philosophy | At least 180 in HSK Level 4 and at least 60 in HSKK Intermediate |
| Chinese Language Study | At least 210 in HSK Level 3; an HSKK score is preferred |
This option can suit students who want an extended period of Mandarin immersion without committing immediately to a full degree.
5. One-Semester Study Programme under CIS Scholarship in China
The one-semester programme provides funding for up to five months, with possible September or March entry.
For International Chinese Language Education, Chinese Language and Literature, Chinese History, Chinese Philosophy and related directions, the general requirement is at least 180 in HSK Level 3, together with an HSKK score. Traditional Chinese Medicine and Taiji culture programmes generally require an HSK score, with priority given to applicants who also provide HSKK results.
Universities can apply stricter requirements. For example, Northeast Normal University’s March 2027 notice required HSK Level 4 with at least 180, rather than HSK Level 3, for its listed one-semester programmes.
6. Four-Week Study Programme
The four-week programme normally begins in July or December and may cover Chinese language study, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Taiji culture or a Chinese language and family-experience programme.
Applicants must provide an HSK score. These programmes may be organised as group applications through a recommending institution, with the study plan agreed with the host university in advance. Unlike the longer programmes, the four-week option does not include a monthly living allowance.
What Does the CIS Scholarship Cover?
For most on-campus programmes, the scholarship provides:
- Tuition fees: Covered by the scholarship;
- Accommodation: Free on-campus housing, usually in a double room;
- Living allowance: Paid monthly for eligible categories;
- Comprehensive medical insurance: Arranged according to the applicable programme standard.
Monthly Living Allowance
| Student category | Monthly allowance |
|---|
| Bachelor’s students | RMB 2,500 |
| One-year study students | RMB 2,500 |
| One-semester study students | RMB 2,500 |
| Master’s students in International Chinese Language Education | RMB 3,000 |
| PhD students in International Chinese Language Education | RMB 3,500 |
| Four-week study students | No living allowance |
The one-year and one-semester allowance is confirmed in the published 2026 university guidelines, while the same guidelines describe tuition, accommodation and medical insurance as part of the scholarship package.
Students who receive permission to live off campus may receive an accommodation allowance instead of university housing. This should not be assumed automatically: off-campus accommodation requires the host institution’s approval.
Expenses That May Not Be Covered
Applicants should check their university’s admission notice carefully and budget separately for expenses such as:
- International airfare;
- Visa-related costs;
- Passport renewal;
- Document translation or notarisation;
- University application fees, where charged;
- Initial transport and settling-in expenses;
- Personal purchases and travel;
- Extra accommodation costs for upgrading to a single room.
The word “fully funded” should not be interpreted as meaning that every personal and travel expense will be paid.
General Eligibility Requirements for CIS Scholarship in China
Under the 2026 guidelines, applicants were generally required to:
- Be non-Chinese citizens;
- Have no criminal record;
- Be in good physical and mental health;
- Demonstrate good academic performance and conduct;
- Be interested in Chinese language education, teaching or related work;
- Follow Chinese laws and the host university’s regulations;
- Meet the age, educational and Chinese-language requirements for the selected category.
The general age range was 16–35, calculated as of 1 September 2026. The upper age limit could be extended to 45 for in-service Chinese language teachers, while bachelor’s applicants were generally required to be under 25.
For a future intake, check the new notice rather than relying on the 2026 age-reference date.
Previous Scholarship Restriction
In principle, applicants who have received a similar scholarship within the previous three years are not eligible for the one-semester or one-year study programme. If you have previously studied in China with CIS funding, disclose this and ask the host university to confirm your eligibility.
Annual Assessment
Degree students are subject to annual scholarship assessments. Receiving the scholarship for the first year does not remove the need to maintain satisfactory academic performance and comply with university regulations.
Documents Required for the CIS Scholarship
The exact checklist varies by programme and university. A strong application should nevertheless begin with the following documents.
Documents Generally Required From All Applicants
- A clear scan of the passport information page;
- HSK score report;
- HSKK score report where required;
- A recommendation letter from the head of an eligible recommending institution;
- Any additional forms requested through the online system.
HSK and HSKK score reports are generally valid for two years for scholarship application purposes. Check that your results will remain valid throughout the application and review period.
Additional Documents for Degree Applicants
- Highest academic qualification or proof of expected graduation;
- Official academic transcripts;
- A study plan or personal statement;
- Two academic recommendation letters for master’s and doctoral applicants;
- A research plan and approximately 3,000-word Chinese personal statement for doctoral applicants;
- Evidence of future teaching employment, if available.
Documents for In-Service Chinese Language Teachers
- Employment certificate;
- Recommendation letter from the employer;
- Any teaching certificates or evidence of teaching experience requested by the university.
Additional University Requirements
A host university may also request:
- Foreigner Physical Examination Form;
- Certificate of no criminal record;
- Passport-sized photograph;
- Notarised Chinese or English translations;
- A separate university application form;
- Guardianship documents for applicants under 18;
- Previous Chinese study records or visa pages;
- An online interview;
- Proof of payment of a university application fee.
For example, Central South University’s March 2027 guide requested academic records, a physical examination, a non-criminal record and other materials in addition to the general CIS Scholarship in China documents.
Always use the checklist published by your chosen university for the specific intake.
CIS Scholarship Deadlines
The 2026 general schedule used the following Beijing Time deadlines:
| Programme start | Student application deadline |
|---|
| July 2026 | 15 April 2026 |
| September 2026 | 15 May 2026 |
| December 2026 | 15 September 2026 |
| March 2027 | 31 October 2026 |
These are historical deadlines for the 2026 application cycle, not confirmed dates for every future intake.
Current Application Position
The general 31 October 2026 deadline for March 2027 entry has passed. Some universities also used earlier internal deadlines. Northeast Normal University, for example, required its university application by 20 October 2026, followed by the CLEC application by 31 October.
Students targeting September 2027 should begin preparing now but must wait for the relevant 2027 guidelines and university notices to confirm the opening date and deadline. Do not automatically treat 15 May 2027 as confirmed merely because the previous cycle used a May deadline.
How to Apply for the CIS Scholarship
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Step 1: Choose the Correct Programme
Decide whether you want:
- A full bachelor’s, master’s or PhD degree;
- An 11-month Chinese language programme;
- A five-month programme;
- A four-week short course.
Choose according to your present HSK level, educational background, and long-term career plans. Do not apply for a degree solely because it has a longer funding period if you do not meet its academic and language requirements.
Complete video tutorial: https://youtu.be/mve22Dh6xWY?si=N3o4kOJm84nvR3a8
Step 2: Check Your HSK and HSKK Results
Compare your scores with both:
- The general CIS requirement; and
- The chosen university’s programme-specific requirement.
If your scores are below the minimum, arrange a new test before applying. Where HSKK is only described as preferred, submitting a good result can still make your application more complete.
Step 3: Select a Host University
Use the official host-institution list to check which universities accept your intended study level. The official list separates institutions offering non-degree study, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral programmes.
After shortlisting a university, visit its international admissions website and confirm:
- Whether your programme is available;
- The exact Chinese-language requirement;
- Whether a separate university application is required;
- The university’s internal deadline;
- Whether an application fee or interview applies;
- Which documents must be notarised or translated.
Step 4: Contact a Recommending Institution
Possible recommending institutions include:
- Confucius Institutes;
- Independent Confucius Classrooms;
- Selected HSK test centres;
- Foreign educational institutions;
- Chinese language teacher-training programmes or Chinese departments at overseas universities;
- Relevant professional associations;
- Chinese embassies or consulates.
Contact the institution early and ask about its recommendation procedure. Do not wait until the final week, because the institution may have its own document review, interview or internal deadline.
Step 5: Prepare Clear and Consistent Documents
Scan every document clearly and use consistent personal information across your passport, transcripts, certificates and application forms.
Check that:
- Your name matches your passport;
- Dates of birth are consistent;
- Transcripts are complete and officially issued;
- Expected-graduation letters include the anticipated graduation date;
- Recommendation letters are signed and contain contact details;
- Translations meet the university’s requirements;
- Physical examination and police-record documents remain valid.
Step 6: Submit the Online CIS Application
Create an account on the official International Chinese Language Teachers Scholarship application platform. Complete the form, select the recommending and host institutions, upload the required documents and submit the application.
Save your application number and keep copies of everything you upload.
Step 7: Complete the University Application
Many universities require a second application through their own international-student system. Submitting only the CIS form may therefore leave your application incomplete.
For example, Dalian University of Technology required applicants to complete both the CIS application and its own university application.
Step 8: Monitor Your Application
Log in regularly to check:
- Whether documents have been accepted;
- Whether corrections are requested;
- Whether an interview has been scheduled;
- The recommending institution’s review;
- The host university’s decision;
- The final scholarship result.
Also monitor your email, including the spam folder.
Step 9: Complete Admission and Registration
Successful applicants should follow the host university’s instructions regarding admission documents, visa arrangements, travel and registration. Register within the period stated in the admission notice; failure to register on time without permission can result in cancellation of the scholarship.
How Are CIS Scholarship Recipients Selected?
CLEC arranges an expert review after the recommending and host institutions complete their assessments. Published guidelines state that selection considers HSK and HSKK levels and scores, geographical distribution and other factors.
This means that simply reaching the minimum HSK score does not guarantee selection. Academic performance, programme suitability, recommendations, university requirements and the overall applicant pool may also affect the outcome.
Practical Tips to Strengthen Your Application
Aim Above the Minimum Language Score
Treat the published HSK requirement as the eligibility threshold, not as evidence that your application will be competitive. A stronger score can better demonstrate your readiness for Chinese-medium study.
Take HSKK Seriously
Applicants often concentrate on HSK and overlook HSKK. Check whether HSKK is mandatory, preferred or connected with a particular minimum score, and book the test early enough to receive valid results.
Secure a Specific Recommendation
A useful recommendation should explain your Chinese-language ability, academic performance, teaching experience and suitability for the selected programme. A generic letter that only confirms your identity adds limited value.
Explain a Clear Study or Career Goal
Connect your application to realistic plans, such as:
- Becoming a Chinese language teacher;
- Improving your Mandarin for academic purposes;
- Studying second-language acquisition;
- Developing Chinese teaching materials;
- Conducting research in international Chinese language education.
Avoid unsupported claims or a generic statement that could apply to any scholarship.
Demonstrate Teaching Potential
If you have tutored students, assisted a language teacher, volunteered in education or participated in Chinese Bridge activities, include relevant evidence. In-service teachers should provide the required employment and employer-recommendation documents.
Apply Before the Internal Deadline
The final CIS deadline is not necessarily the date by which your university or recommending institution needs your documents. Build a personal timeline that finishes several weeks earlier.
Never Submit False Information
Inconsistent or fraudulent documents can lead to rejection, cancellation of admission or withdrawal of the scholarship. If a document is unavailable, ask the university whether an acceptable temporary alternative exists.
CIS Scholarship vs CSC Scholarship
| Feature | CIS Scholarship | CSC Scholarship |
|---|
| Main purpose | Chinese language study and Chinese language education | Degree and research study across a wider range of disciplines |
| Main subjects | Chinese language, international Chinese language education and related fields | Engineering, science, medicine, business, humanities and many other fields |
| Language evidence | HSK and often HSKK are central requirements | Depends on programme language and university |
| Recommendation route | Uses recognised recommending institutions | Usually embassy, dispatching authority or direct university routes |
| Programme options | Degrees and shorter Chinese-language programmes | Primarily degree, research and related study programmes |
| Best suited for | Future Chinese teachers and Chinese-language learners | Students seeking funded study in a broader academic subject |
The two scholarships serve different purposes. Choose according to your intended subject rather than applying to CIS simply because it is another scholarship in China.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CIS the same as the CSC Scholarship?
No. CIS focuses on Chinese language and Chinese language education, while CSC supports a much wider range of academic disciplines.
Is CIS still called the Confucius Institute Scholarship?
Many students still use the older name, but the current official name is the International Chinese Language Teachers Scholarship.
Can I study engineering or medicine with CIS?
CIS is not generally intended for unrelated degree subjects. Selected programmes involving Traditional Chinese Medicine or approved joint programmes may exist, but students should check the specific host university. For conventional engineering, medical or business degrees, CSC or another scholarship is usually more appropriate.
Can I apply without HSK?
Most CIS categories require an HSK score, and many also require HSKK. The required level and score depend on the programme. Check the current category and university requirements before applying.
Is IELTS required?
The general CIS requirements focus on Chinese proficiency through HSK and HSKK rather than IELTS. However, a university or special programme may request additional evidence, so always read its admission notice.
Do I need to contact a Confucius Institute?
A Confucius Institute is one possible recommending institution, but it is not the only type. Selected HSK test centres, overseas educational institutions, Chinese departments, professional associations and Chinese diplomatic missions may also serve as recommending institutions.
Does CIS provide free accommodation?
The scholarship generally provides free on-campus accommodation, typically in a double room. Single-room upgrades or off-campus arrangements can involve different rules and costs.
Does the four-week programme include a monthly stipend?
No. The general coverage rules exclude four-week students from the living allowance, although other listed benefits may still apply.
Can I apply to more than one university?
Follow the options available in the current application system and the rules for your intake. If you submit separate university applications, make sure that all information remains consistent and that you comply with any restrictions on multiple Chinese government scholarships.
When are results announced?
Published guidelines state that results are generally announced approximately three months before the programme begins, although applicants should rely on their actual portal status and university communication.
Final Thoughts
The CIS Scholarship in China can be an excellent opportunity for students who want to improve their Mandarin, experience Chinese education or build a career in Chinese language teaching. Its degree and shorter study options make it relevant to both beginning language students and experienced teachers, provided they meet the appropriate HSK, HSKK and academic requirements.
The most important steps are to select the correct programme, secure a valid recommendation, satisfy the university’s specific requirements and complete every required application before the earliest applicable deadline. Always confirm the latest information through CLEC and the host university before submitting your application.